The Year Ahead
Branding for inaugural business summit that brought together senior executives, public sector officials and thought leaders from around the world to engage in conversations focused on the challenges, opportunities and trends facing them in the coming year. The brand would be seen throughout Chicago leading up to the event, across social media, apps, signage.
Setting the Stage
The Year Ahead brought together senior executives, public sector officials, and thought leaders from around the world. The brand needed to feel authoritative enough for a room of global decision-makers while projecting the energy of something new -- this was an inaugural event with no precedent to lean on.
Identity System
We developed a brand identity built around forward momentum -- clean geometric forms, a commanding color palette, and typography that balanced gravitas with approachability. The system was designed to scale from a mobile app icon to a 20-foot stage backdrop without losing clarity.
Environmental Reach
The brand was visible across Chicago in the weeks leading up to the event -- outdoor signage, transit advertising, and venue installations created a sense of arrival before attendees set foot in the space. Every touchpoint reinforced the same visual language.
Digital Ecosystem
Social media campaigns, a custom event app, and digital signage carried the identity across screens of every size. The cohesive system meant each piece amplified the others, building recognition across channels.
